Stressed? Anxious? Had a Bad Day?
Reach for these soothing tisanes and breathe… The simple ritual of making and sipping a warm cup of tea elicits a sense of peace and calm. Narrow in on these soothing effects by choosing herbs known for bringing the nervous system down a notch to ease frayed nerves, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
Lemon Balm
(Melissa officinalis) grows happily (sometimes too happily) in almost any garden. Its lemony aromatics act as a mild sedative and mood booster, making lemon balm perfect, day or night. Blend it with mints, lemongrass, holy basil, or honey to perk up its flavor. Dry lemon balm loses its scent quickly but still has its benefits.
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Passionflower
(Passiflora incarnata), an otherworldly beautiful flowering vine, reliably quells the nerves, relaxing the whole body.
Skullcap
(Scutellaria lateriflora), while humble in appearance, it subdues the overexcited, irritated, and anxious. Grow it yourself or seek organic cultivated herbs from a trustable source; skullcap is unfortunately often adulterated in commerce.
Holy Basil
(Ocimum sanctum), sacred in India where it is known as Tulsi, lures us with its intoxicating scent and provides Zen-like state of calm energy and peace, appropriate day or night.
Chamomile
(Matricaria recutita), lightly brewed, yields a pineapple-y tea, as well known for its digestive benefits as its calming vibe. Over-steeped, it quickly becomes bitter.
Green & White Tea
(Camellia sinensis) offer calming tea’s amino acid theanine with just a hint of uplifting caffeine. Take advantage of relaxing aromatherapy by adding a sprig of lemon balm or holy basil.
Sleepy Tea
Consider this calming tisane before bedtime for sweet slumber. 1/2 teaspoon Passionflower, 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Balm, 1/2 teaspoon Skullcap, 1/2 teaspoon Spearmint, 1 teaspoon Honey (optional). Steep in hot water in a 6-ounce teacup for 15 minutes.
Simply Serene Steep any one of these herbs as a single, simple brew for an enjoyable cup of quietude. Use 1 tablespoon of dried herb or one handful fresh per 12-ounce cup.
- Chamomile blossoms, steeped 2-3 minutes only
- Holy Basil leaves and flowers, steeped 5 minutes or longer
- Lemon Balm leaves and flowers, steeped 5 minutes or longer
Too hot for tea? Try these herbs as sun-teas. Let them steep in room-temperature water in the sun for 20 minutes or more.
